According to two people who are familiar with this deal, LVMH acquired an option in a last-year announced strategic partnership to buy the full ownership of Orient Express before 2027. According to sources, LVMH acquired a 50% share in Accor’s Orient Express.
Skift reported that LVMH has also purchased a stake in a planned Orient Express yacht venture which Accor will develop with an entity who owns both ships.
Accor and LVMH did not disclose financial details when the partnership was announced. LMVH and LMVH declined comment.
A photo-illustration showing what Accor’s Orient Express trains may look like. Source: Accor
Two Companies, One Brand
The partnership highlights how difficult it is to find travel products with the Orient Express brand.
As part the LVMH partnership Accor introduced its La Dolce Vita Orient Express rail service through Italy in early April. The company aims to start Orient Express between Paris and Istanbul by 2026.
Accor opened its first hotel in Rome under the Orient-Express brand earlier this year. A sec
